New Winds in Washington: Nationals Seek Reconstruction with New Leadership
The Washington Nationals organization is undergoing a restructuring process. Mike DeBartolo, interim general manager, and Miguel Cairo, interim manager, are leading the mission to revitalize the team, which has performed below expectations. The change comes after the dismissal of Dave Martinez as manager and Mike Rizzo, who was president of baseball operations. The decision was made after a loss to Boston, which led the team to a record of 37-53 in the season and 9-23 since June 1st.Since their World Series victory in 2019, the Nationals have struggled, with a record of 325-473. Cairo, who was the bench coach since last year, took over the interim position with Martinez’s approval.We have interesting and exciting young pieces to build with. We need much more to build. Simply improving our game is not enough. We need real change. I am excited to bring a fresh approach and a new voice to this role, and integrate more data, more technology, and more innovation into our decision-making throughout the organization at all levels and, hopefully, improve the performance of our players.
Mike DeBartolo
DeBartolo highlighted Cairo’s experience, who was Tony La Russa’s bench coach with the Chicago White Sox and had an 18-16 record as interim manager. In addition, Henry Blanco was promoted to bench coach and Bob Henley joined Cairo’s staff as a Major League field coordinator. DeBartolo, who joined the organization in 2012, plans to incorporate his own vision, focusing on analysis and technology to improve the team’s performance. The interim general manager is preparing for a period of activity after the 2025 amateur draft and the July 31st trade deadline. Regarding the team’s moves, the Nationals have signed right-handed pitcher Luis García and called up catcher Drew Millas from Triple-A Rochester. Keibert Ruiz was placed on the seven-day concussion injured list, while right-handed pitcher Eduardo Salazar was sent to Rochester. Ruiz, who suffered a concussion from a foul, has experienced persistent symptoms and will remain on the injured list until the All-Star break. Miles is expected to back up Riley Adams. García, who was released by the Los Angeles Dodgers, has experience on several MLB teams. Salazar, for his part, has had a performance with high effectiveness. Additionally, Trevor Williams was transferred to the 60-day injured list due to an elbow injury.I wouldn’t have taken the job without talking to him. He was here for many years and did nothing wrong. He worked. He let us work. He worked hard. He made sure to put each player in the right position to succeed, and that’s what it is. Right now, he’s gone, and it’s hard for me to do this interview.
Miguel Cairo
